The Arturia MiniFuse 4 is a four-channel USB audio interface that immediately gives users everything they need to get started in the world of home recording at an affordable price. At the same time, Arturia has refrained from including a ton of features that would largely be superfluous in the home studio, choosing instead to focus on delivering an impressive sound thanks to its high-quality converters. Its streamlined and intuitive operation makes the MiniFuse 4 a proverbial "plug and play" interface, which also comes with an extensive software package including DAW, plugins, and more, so users can get started right away without needing to worry about any additional investments. Thanks to its state-of-the-art high-speed USB-C connection, the MiniFuse 4 is more than ready for the future.
The MiniFuse 4 features two modern XLR/TRS combo inputs on the front panel for connecting microphones or line-level signal sources such as guitars, while the back panel offers two additional line-in sockets. Users can activate the 48V phantom power for condenser microphones at the push of a button, and channels 1 and 2 each have a dedicated gain control for adjusting the input sensitivity. A six-LED indicator for each of the four channels also helps the user keep an eye on the gain levels and avoid going "into the red". The output volume is in turn adjusted using the large central rotary knob, while the switchable Direct Monitoring function prevents unwanted latencies during recording sessions by tapping the signal before it enters the computer. The front panel is completed by two 6.3mm jack outputs, with stereo outputs for monitor speakers, MIDI in/out, and three USB sockets (types A and C) on the rear panel rounding off the overall package.
The Arturia MiniFuse 4 is primarily aimed at anyone seeking to take their first steps in the world of home recording. Pretty much everyone dreams of recording music, writing their own songs, or exploring the world of sound experimentation in their own home, but the technical challenges involved here can be daunting. This is exactly where the Arturia MiniFuse 4 comes into play, and provides the perfect solution with its "no nonsense" approach. However, the MiniFuse 4 will also find favour among home recording veterans looking for straightforward and intuitive interface operation. With its four channels, it will appeal to anyone who can manage with a maximum of two microphones but also wants to record additional signal sources simultaneously.
Arturia's success story began with software emulations of well-known analogue synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog, Sequential Prophet-5, and Oberheim SEM. The popular software instruments included in the V Collection are still flagship products of the French developer today. Over time, Arturia has gradually expanded its range and now also offers a host of hardware devices, ranging from synthesizers and keyboard controllers to sequencers. Since then, the former software developer has thus also become a household name in the world of analogue synthesizers and other equipment.
To get started immediately after unboxing the new audio interface, all that is needed is the corresponding software which, practically, is already included in the Arturia MiniFuse 4 package. The renowned Ableton Live Lite DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) forms the centrepiece here, complemented by an Analog Lab virtual synthesizer, which is a lot of fun to work with from the start. Guitarists and bassists will enjoy the Guitar Rig 6 LE plugin by Native Instruments, which comes with plenty of amp and cab simulations and eliminates the need for a miked amplifier. And those seeking to tweak their vocal takes a tad will benefit from the included Auto Tune plugin. For putting those finishing touches on a mix or a sound experiment, Arturia also provides an extensive effects library into the bargain.